Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square was filled with emotion, anticipation, and gratitude on Sunday, October 12, as crowds gathered ahead of the imminent release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas since October 7, 2023.br br Families of both surviving and deceased hostages shared the emotional toll of the last two years, as well as their preparations for the reunions or the return of remains.br br “It’s a day of mixed emotions,” said Udi Goren, cousin of murdered hostage Tal Haimi. “We can finally grieve.”br br In a powerful moment, crowds chanted "Thank you, Trump" after his envoy and an impersonator of the US president addressed the rally, celebrating American mediation efforts.